PROTOTYPE AND BACKGROUND INFO:

Intermodal transportation requires specialized rail equipment which is, on occasion, too specialized. To allow more flexibility in loading containers and trailers at terminals all-purpose spine cars were developed. These cars can be configured to allow loading of trailers of varying lengths, from 28’ pups to 53’ high capacity units. With the trailer hitches collapsed containers can also be loaded. 40’, 45’ 48’ and 53’ containers call all be accommodated on these cars as well as 20’ models provided they are mounted to a chassis.

The prototype for our model is based on a Trinity-built car owned by the TTX Company. These 70-ton cars (TTX class RAF30A) numbered TTRX 360817-361116 first appeared on the rails in the late 1990’s. The Athearn model is faithful to the prototype allowing modelers to load a variety of trailers and containers.